A 'gold star' report for Kells & Connor Primary

KELLS and Connor Primary School's 70th anniversary celebrations got off to an early start this week following news that the school has received a glowing report from inspectors.

DENI inspectors ran a fine tooth comb over the school last November and have now published their report, and it makes very good reading for the school in its anniversary year.

The inspection focused on the children’s acheivements and standards in literacy and numeracy, the quality of provision and learning and the quality of leadership and management. The report decribed the overall quality of teaching in the lessons observed as “outstanding”.

The school impressed inspectors with how staff use a range of settings and approaches in their teaching, being mindful of different types of learners.

Inspectors noted that staff have created classrooms which are bright and stimulating using examples of children's work. They were impressed with the excellent use of resources and technology to enhance learning in the classroom.

One important issue the inspectors evaluated was how the school assists children with identified needs.

It is clear that the school impressed with the report crediting Kells and Connor Primary for having staff well trained and motivated to assist these children.

It states that pupils enjoy a safe and secure environment and are happy and confident around the school knowing who to talk to when they need help and support.

Teaching staff are supported by learning assistants who provide support in class, and outside classroom when appropriate, in some instances even beyond their paid hours.

Children with severe visual and auditory impairments have been able - through innovative practices,- to access curriculum in mainstream classrooms.

Inspectors were also impressed with how the staff applied themselves to the tasks at hand, noting how they are hard working, professional and extensively plan for the learning experiences in classrooms.

The report also credited the school for how staff plan together, meet regularly to develop curriculum and share good practice plans together, as well as observing each other teach.

It was not only staff who impressed inspectors, pupils were credited for their “exemplary behaviour” and their “positive attitudes towards learning".

The inspectors' report conluded on a very positive note stating, in the areas inspected, "the quality of education provided by this school is very good".

The school is meeting very effectively the educational and pastoral needs of the children and has demonstrated the capacity for sustained self-improvements.

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